Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Terrorism Is a Failure to Tackle Mental Health Issues Globally
We are avoiding confronting the root cause of modern terrorism. We are to blame. Every attack that has happened in the past 50 years, whether it be the IRA or Islamic fundamentalism, has been a direct result of unresolved mental health issues. We try to pin the blame on ideology, on the religion, or the cultural divisions in society, but that’s the easy way to ignore the real issue. Terrorism is the direct result of a global inability to tackle mental health issues. It is very easy to just call people evil, but when you actually dissect what evil actually means we discover a distorted reflection of ourselves. Evil is sadness and grief left to fester in an unloved heart. Evil is somebody ending a life, or even their own. Evil are kids who have not been shown any better?
By Johnny Vedmore9 years ago in The Swamp
On Our Political and Social Incoherence
I have always opposed US intervention in the Middle East, finding it not only immoral but counterproductive. It obviously makes it probable that United States citizens, both at home and abroad, will be targeted in retaliatory attacks. Remember 9/11 but remember it with introspection and logic rather than emotional reaction. Why did it occur? How? Who were the perpetrators? Where did they come from? Who are their friends in the United States? All not only interesting questions but all too relevant.
By Guillermo Calvo9 years ago in The Swamp
The Best Way to Beat a Bully
When I was a teacher, the administration brought in a person to train us about bullying. I remember the trainer saying that, contrary to popular belief, bullies didn't lack self-esteem. They didn't possess an inner self-hatred that inspired their negative behavior toward others. In fact, this trainer said, bullies often possessed a greater sense of self-esteem which led to an increased ability to demean and dominate others.
By Dillan DiGiovanni9 years ago in The Swamp
Learn Your Gay History: Stonewall Riots – June 28, 1969
The Stonewall riots of 28 June 1969 weren’t the first protests or confrontations between police and the LGBT community, but they’ve become symbolic of the growing consciousness and confidence that paved the way for the fight for equality and freedom from discrimination.
By Gareth Johnson9 years ago in The Swamp
Theresa May's Father. Top Story - June 2017.
Theresa May's Father, Reverend Hubert Brasier, was born on 20th August 1917 at 61 Clonmore Street, Wandsworth, London. Like many people a century ago, his was a home birth. Hubert’s father, Tom Brasier, was a military man. He had served as a sergeant in the King's Royal Rifles, but was a clerk by the time Hubert was born. Hubert's mother's maiden name was Amy Margaret Patterson and they had married 8 years prior in Hampshire. Amy and Tom’s first son, James David Brasier, had died within a year of his birth in 1911 in Uttaranchal, India, where Tom Brasier had been deployed whilst in service. Two years later, in 1919, Hubert was joined by his younger sister and only other sibling Jean Robina Brasier.
By Johnny Vedmore9 years ago in The Swamp
What Traits Do Sith Lords and Donald Trump Have in Common?
Star Wars has a universe that really seems to be able to split people into two parties—the Jedi and the Sith. If you're a Star Wars fan, then you've already had moments where you have wondered where you'd land in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
By Riley Raul Reese9 years ago in The Swamp
An Open Letter To Kathy Griffin
Dear Kathy Griffin, I love you. Truly I do. Your special brand of saying what's on your mind, with a side of crass jokes is what has made you one of the most successful female comics in the business. Your Cher stories are quoted on my Facebook ad nauseam. Your take on the Kardashians always makes me smile and secretly envy that you've met them. Heck, you even made me sort of like Anderson Cooper with your New Years Eve specials. But this week, you went too far and I think that you know it.
By Edward Anderson9 years ago in The Swamp
A Grim Fairy Tale, the Paris Environmental Accord and Its Repudiation
I am a very strong believer in protecting and preserving the environment but I am not a believer in deceptive use of smoke and mirrors to obfuscate that goal. The recently rejected Paris “Accord” was, in my opinion, not only inadequate, but fraudulent. It is non-binding for heavens sakes! How much more than that do real environmentalists (as opposed to political opportunists) need to know? It’s as though the nuclear non-proliferation treaty were non-binding and merely aspirational. Or criminal laws just suggestions. Aspirations are fine for what they’re worth, especially when, as in the Paris Accord, they include details and targets, a positive thing. But to fool progressives into thinking that they are more than wishful thinking and to deflect real efforts to create binding standards likely to be complied with is malevolent.
By Guillermo Calvo9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Donald... You're An Idiot for Refusing the Paris Accord
Dear Donald, I am an American citizen—one of which would have rather voted for a baked potato as president than you. So, I may be biased. I'm not particularly fond of your anti-gay, anti-woman, or anti-poor legislation.
By Cato Conroy9 years ago in The Swamp
Surviving the Realization that Your Parents are Sabotaging You
My parents were what I believe to be, relatively young, when they had me. I was their first born and of course, there's going to be mistakes - I don't think there's any parent that exists who is perfect.
By Teagan O'Toole9 years ago in The Swamp
